Recreational swings and toddler attachments for swinging and spinning

ABSTRACT

There is provided swings for swinging and spinning and for simultaneous use by one or more individuals. The swings provide one or more seating members for one or more individuals to sit and provide a common point from which the supports of the swing are suspended for rotational spinning of the swing. The multiple seating members may be fastened together with a connector or fastened directly together to define a cross, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal pattern. Some swings provide a center opening through which one or more seated individuals may place their legs during use of the swing. In addition, toddler attachments are provided for placement in the center openings of the various swings. The toddler attachments comprise a frame member having attachments to connect the toddler attachments to the supports of the swing it is placed upon. A fabric member substantially engages the edges of the frame member and the fabric member defines a recess with leg holes into which a toddler may be seated.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) toU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/523,463, filed Nov. 19, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to recreational swings, and moreparticularly, to swings and toddler attachments for swinging androtational spinning, where the swings may be simultaneously used bymultiple people.

2. Description of Related Art

Recreational swings are often found on playgrounds, parks, andresidential areas and are commonly used by children and adults for funand relaxation. Typically, swings are designed for motion along oneplane, where the motion is forward and backward rotation about the barto which the swing is attached with a rope or chain. Additionally,swings are typically designed to seat one person.

A “tire swing” is a swing that generally includes a tire that defines acircular seating surface having a circular hole in the center and thatis suspended by multiple ropes, chains, or cables that are tied to thetire and attached to a mount or pivot positioned above the tire. Thetire swing not only provides forward and backward rotation about themount or pivot but also provides rotational spinning about a centralaxis of the tire swing. However, such tire swings are often too small toaccommodate two or more individuals at the same time. In addition, suchtire swings often degrade so that they become unsafe to swing on andoften collect water that may splash on the people swinging on the tireswing. Therefore, such tire swings may be unsafe and inconvenient to usebecause such tires were not intended for use as swings.

Conventional swings are limited in their ability to produce a morelong-lasting, yet safe, form of amusement because of their one planemotion for one person. To illustrate this, children will often resort towinding, jumping off, or standing on the swings. These and furtheractions are often induced by boredom and may lead to injuries to thechildren. Additionally, social interaction between individuals islimited during use of conventional swings because each swing is occupiedby a single individual such that two or more individuals must take turnsswinging or must swing on independent swings.

Accordingly, a need exists for a swing that provides more than one planeof motion, which would increase the individual's level of enjoyment byallowing for motion in more than one direction. In addition, a needexists for a swing that conveniently seats two or more people toincrease the social interaction between the individuals.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention addresses the above needs and achieves other advantages byproviding multiple swings for simultaneous use by multiple individuals.The swings of the present invention are suspended by supports from acommon point, which provide motion in a swinging direction and/or arotational spinning direction. The supports are preferably a ropematerial, and the supports are advantageously tied into knots below abottom surface of the swing to support the swing.

Swings of the present invention comprise a swing defining curvedsurfaces for use by a single individual or a swing with two seats havingtwo curved surfaces joined by a connector for use by two individuals. Aswing for four or more individuals comprises two seating members thateach comprises two seats, wherein the seating members are joined at acenter point. An alternative swing defines a seesaw swing, wherein thesupports are positioned on a pulley to provide a rocking motion inaddition to the swinging and spinning motions.

Swings having three, four, five, or six seating members are alsoprovided by the present invention. The seating members are fastened atlap joints and define through holes in the lap joints for the supportsto pass through and be retained in a knot to support the seating membersof the swing. A center opening is defined in each swing through whichthe individuals seated on the swing can place their legs.

In addition, a toddler attachment may be positioned in the centeropening. The toddler attachment comprises a frame member preferablydefining the same number of edges as the number of seating members ofthe swing to which it is attached. Attachments are included on the framemember of the toddler attachments for attaching the toddler attachmentto the supports of the swing. The frame member is preferably sized torest upon the seating members of the swing, though alternativeembodiments of the toddler attachments may be supported entirely by thesupports of the swing. The toddler attachments also comprise a fabricmember that substantially engages the edges of the frame member and thatdefines a recess having two leg holes into which a toddler or child maybe seated.

Accordingly, the swings and toddler attachments of the present inventionprovide more than one plane of motion, such as swinging and spinning,which increases the individual's level of enjoyment. In addition, theswings and toddler attachments conveniently seat two or more people toincrease the social interaction between the individuals

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention, illustrating a single-seat swinghaving a seat with a curved profile;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a secondembodiment of the present invention, illustrating a two-seat swingcomprising two curved seats similar to FIG. 1 attached by a connector;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a thirdembodiment of the present invention, illustrating a swing that seats upto five people and comprises two seating members fastened at theirrespective center points;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a fourthembodiment of the present invention, illustrating a two-seat seesawswing that comprises a pulley;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a fifthembodiment of the present invention, illustrating a three-seat swingdefining a triangular configuration;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a sixthembodiment of the present invention, illustrating a four-seat swingdefining a rectangular configuration;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a seventhembodiment of the present invention, illustrating a five-seat swingdefining a pentagonal configuration;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with an eighthembodiment of the present invention, illustrating a six-seat swingdefining a hexagonal configuration;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a ninthembodiment of the present invention, illustrating a two-seat swingdefining a “bow tie” configuration;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a tenthembodiment of the present invention, illustrating a swing that seatsfour or more people and comprises two overlapping seating members;

FIG. 11 is a side planar view of a D-ring used to support the swings ofFIGS. 1-10 wherein each rope is individually attached to the D-ring;

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of overlapping seating members ofa swing illustrating the knot in the rope below the seating members andthe bolt, washer, and locknut used to fasten the seating memberstogether;

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a swing such as the swing ofFIG. 3, illustrating the knots in the rope and the bolts, washers, andlocknut used to fasten the seating members together;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a toddler attachment in accordance witha further embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a triangulartoddler attachment defining a fabric member with a recess for thetoddler and holes for the toddler's legs;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a toddler attachment in accordance witha further embodiment of the present invention, illustrating arectangular toddler attachment defining a fabric member with a recessfor the toddler and holes for the toddler's legs; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a toddler attachment in accordance witha further embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a pentagonaltoddler attachment defining a fabric member with a recess for thetoddler and holes for the toddler's legs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

With reference to FIGS. 1-16, various swing configurations of thepresent invention are illustrated. The swing configurations offersignificant advancement in enjoyment, interaction, and ease of use. Theswings of the present invention increase the individual's level ofenjoyment by allowing for motion in more than one direction. The swingsprovide angular rotation, also described as spinning, simultaneouslywith the forward and backward rotation about a point from which theswing is suspended, also described as swinging. Alternatively, theswings may spin independent of swinging, or swing independently ofspinning. Thus, the swings of the present invention allow for a total ofthree motions: spinning, swinging, and simultaneous spinning andswinging.

The swing configurations of FIGS. 1-16 may provide for increasedspontaneous social interaction between adults and children or amongadults or children. In today's society of declining family and peerinteractions, such interaction is desirable. The increased interactionprovided by the swing configurations of the present invention isattributable to the multiperson design, which accommodates multipleindividuals simultaneously. The designs offer variations of seatingarrangements. The swing designs also provide for convenient use of theswings, which further facilitates increased interaction between theindividuals.

Referring to the swing of FIG. 1, illustrating the embodiments of asingle person swing of the present invention, the swing 10 defines aseat having a curved profile. The swing comprises a seat 12 defining aconcave front surface 14 and a convex rear surface 16 opposite theconcave front surface. All the seats or seating members of theillustrated swings are wood; however, further embodiments of the presentinvention may comprise seats or seating members that comprise metal,polymer, elastomer, and/or other materials, to list a few non-limitingexamples of alternative materials. The seat 12 of FIG. 1 defines a topsurface 20 upon which the individual may sit and a 22 bottom surfaceopposite the top surface. The seat 12 defines two through holes 18extending through the thickness of the seat, where the holes are locatedbetween the front surface 14 and the rear surface 16 and are on oppositeends of the seat. Two supports 24 are fastened in the holes and suspendfrom a common point, which in the illustrated embodiment is a D-ring 26.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the D-ring 26 of FIG. 1; howeveralternative ways of suspending the supports 24 from a common point areincluded in the present invention. The common points of this and allfurther embodiments of the present invention do not require all thesupports to intersect at a single point, rather the supports mustsuspend for a feature that allows spinning of the swing. Each support 24of FIG. 1 passes through a hole 18 and is restrained on the bottomsurface 22 of the seat 12. Further embodiments of the swings of thepresent invention may include alternative retention of the supportsother than the through holes of the illustrated embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 1, the concave front surface 14 and the convex rearsurface 16 each define a radius, and the radius of the concave frontsurface is no greater than the radius of the convex rear surface in theillustrated recreational swing 10. Alternative swings of the presentinvention have curved faces of any relative curvature. The seat 12defines a centerline down the middle of the seat, and the through holes18 are located at equal distances from the centerline of the seat. Thethrough holes 18 are advantageously separated by a distance sufficientto accommodate a seated adult; however further embodiments of the swingof FIG. 1 or of any other swing configuration of the present inventionmay have through holes spaced at any relative distance. In this regard,the swing of FIG. 1 can be built to accommodate more than one person ifmade sufficiently wide.

Each support 24 is restrained on the bottom surface 22 of the seat 12 bya knot in the support, similar to the knots of FIGS. 12 and 13.Similarly, the supports of all the swing configurations of FIGS. 1-10comprise knots on the bottom surface of the seats to support the seat.The knots are preferably tied such that they do not becomeunintentionally tied, particularly during use of the swing. The knotsmay also be undone and retied to adjust the length of the supports.Alternative methods may be used for attaching the supports to the seat.For example, fasteners, such as eye-hooks, can be connected to the seatand attached to the supports. Further, supports other than ropes arecontemplated. The swing 10 of FIG. 1 comprises supports that are ropes;however, further embodiments of the swing may comprise supports that arecables, chains, or the like.

Referring to the swing 30 of FIG. 2, the illustrated swing comprises twoseats of the swing of FIG. 1 that are each fastened to a connector 32.The first seat 34 and the second seat 36 of FIG. 2 comprise concavefront surfaces and convex rear surfaces similar to the surfaces of theseat 10 of FIG. 1. Alternative embodiments of the seat 30 of FIG. 2 maycomprise a first seat 34 and a second seat 36 that comprise any size orshape and are not limited to the curved front and rear surfaces. Eachseat 34 and 36 define a top surface 38 and 40, respectively, and abottom surface 42 and 44, respectively, opposite the top surfaces. Thetop surfaces 38 and 40 are structured to each seat an individual. Theseats 34 and 36 also comprise two through holes 46 each on opposite endsof the seat, and the connector 32 is fastened to the bottom surfaces 42and 44 of the seats. The connector 32 is also centered between thethrough holes 46 of the seats 34 and 36. The connector 32 of theillustrated embodiment comprises three fasteners 48 on each seat 34 and36 of the swing 30.

The fasteners of FIG. 2, as well as the fasteners illustrated in FIGS.3, 5-8, 12, and 13, comprise a bolt 60 that passes through two or moreholes in members of a swing and passes through a washer 62 and isthreaded into a locknut 64. Advantageously the head of the bolt 60engages the top surface of the swing, and is preferably a flat head orcounter sunk bolt so that the individuals sitting on the top surface ofthe swing do not feel the bolt head. The illustrated bolt heads arebutton head bolts, but any bolt heads may be used in the presentinvention. Furthermore, the bolt 60 may be threaded into a portion ofthe seats or various other nuts to fasten the members of a seattogether. The washer 62 may be a lock washer or any other washer design,or no washer may be included. In addition, the locknut 64 may be a nutof any design and does not necessarily require a locking feature.Alternative embodiments of the swings of the present invention may befastened by still further devices, such as screws, nails, rivets, andadhesives, to list a few non-limiting examples. Still furtheralternative embodiments of the invention may define swing seats thatcomprise a continuous seat with no fasteners, such as a seat that isblow molded or thermoformed as a single unit, to list one non-limitingexample.

Returning to the swing 30 of FIG. 2, the swing 30 is supported bysupports 50 that suspend from a common point, which is the D-ring 52.The D-ring 52 of FIG. 2 and all the illustrated D-rings of the presentinvention are similar to the D-ring 26 of FIG. 11 and all theillustrated supports of the present invention are attached to a commonpoint in a similar manner as the support 24 of FIG. 11. Alternativeembodiments may comprise a common point of any configuration, anon-limiting example being a snap link, and the supports may suspendfrom the common point in any manner. The support 24 of FIG. 11 isindividually suspended from the D-ring 26, such that the support isbraided to itself to define loop enclosing the D-ring such that the loopis an integral part of the support. Advantageously, the individualsupports are braided together above the common point or proximate thecommon point to connect the supports to the common point. Braiding theindividual supports together advantageously improves the connection ofthe supports to the common point and provides an efficient method ofconnecting the supports to the common point. Alternative ways ofsuspending the supports from the common point are comprised in furtherembodiments of the present invention. The supports of the embodimentsillustrated and discussed herein are advantageously rope material thatmay be braided together or braided to itself. However, alternativesupports, such as chains, cables, and the like, may suspend from thecommon point in alternative manners.

The length of the supports, such as supports 24 of FIG. 1 or supports 50of FIG. 2 are advantageously a length sufficient to provide convenientuse of the swing without the individual sitting on the swingaccidentally bumping into the common point or without the individualbecoming entangled as the supports converge on the common point. Alength of 6 foot is usually sufficient, though further embodiments ofthe present invention may use alternative lengths. The supports 50 ofthe illustrated swing are rope, but alternative supports may besubstituted as described above.

The swing 70 of FIG. 3 is a recreational swing for use by multipleindividuals, preferably by four individuals. The swing 70 comprises afirst seating member 72 defining two seats 74 and 76 at opposite ends ofthe first seating member and a center point midway between the opposedseats. The first seating member 72 comprises two through holes 78located at equal and opposite distances from the center point of thefirst seating member, a non-limiting example being 9 inches from thecenter point. The first seating member 72 defines a top surface 80 uponwhich one or more individuals may sit and a bottom surface 82 oppositethe top surface. The swing 70 also comprises a second seating member 84defining two seats 86 and 88 at opposite ends of the second seatingmember and a center point midway between the opposed seats. The secondseating member 84 comprises two through holes 90 located at equal andopposite distances from the centerpoint of the second seating member.The second seating member 84 defines a top surface 92 upon which one ormore individuals may sit and a bottom surface opposite 94 the topsurface. Each seating member 72 and 84 of the illustrated embodimentpreferably defines a width of 4¼ inches along a central length of 15¼inches that extends outward at the seats to define a surface of 8½inches by 11 inches for each seat.

The swing 70 comprises at least one fastener 96 joining the firstseating member 72 to the second seating member 84 such that the centerpoint of the first seating member is substantially above the centerpoint of the second seating member. The swing 70 of FIG. 3advantageously comprises four {fraction (1/4)} inch by 1½ inch carriagebolts with washers and locknuts similar to the fasteners discussed inFIG. 12. The fasteners are preferably arranged in a 4 inches by 4 inchessquare. Further embodiments of the swing 70 may comprise any number offasteners in any orientation.

The swing 70 is supported by four supports 98 suspended from a commonpoint 100, wherein each support passes through a hole 78 of the firstseating member 72 or a hole 90 of the second seating member 84 and isrestrained on the bottom surface of each respective seating member. Adistance between the two through holes 78 of the first seating member 72is equal to a distance between the two through holes 90 of the secondseating member 84 in the illustrated embodiment, though furtherembodiments may have distances of unequal lengths. The distance betweenthe through holes 78 and between the through holes 90 of FIG. 3 isapproximately 18 inches though further embodiments of the swing maycomprise different distances. The common point from which the foursupports suspend comprises a D-ring 100, or alternatively a snap link,similar to the common points of the other swings. The supports 98 of theillustrated embodiment are advantageously four ½ inch by 6 foot braidednylon ropes braided at the top and attached to the D-ring, snap link, oralternative common point. Each support 98 is restrained on the bottomsurface 82 and 94 of the seating members 72 and 84, respectively, by aknot in the support, similar to the knots described above, wherein theknots allow for adjustment of the swing height. Alternatively, thesupports may be retained in other manners, as described above. Thesupports 98 of the swing 70 of FIG. 3 are rope, but may comprisealternative supports as described above.

The seating members 72 and 84 of the illustrated embodiment are fastenedtogether orthogonally to define a cross or “X” pattern, but furtherembodiments of the swing 70 may comprise seating members that areconnected at angles greater than or less than 90 degrees. Furthermore,the swing 70 may comprise more than two seating members joined atvarious angles.

The swing 110 of FIG. 4 is a seesaw swing having a single seating member112 supported by supports 114 that contact a pulley 116. The swing 110provides swinging motion and rotational motion, as well as rockingmotion about the pulley 116. The seating member 112 defines two seats118 and 120 at opposite ends of the seating member and a midplane midwaybetween the opposed seats. The seating member 112 comprises four throughholes 122 located in sets of two at equal and opposite distances from amidplane of the first seating member. The seating member 112 defines atop surface 124 upon which two or more individuals may sit and a bottomsurface 126 opposite the top surface.

The supports 114 of the swing 110 are restrained on the bottom surface126 of the seating member 112 by knots in the support, similar to theknots described above. The supports 112 of the swing 110 of FIG. 4 arerope, but may comprise alternative supports as described above. Thesupports 112 converge at knots prior to contacting the pulley 116 suchthat only a single rope is positioned on the pulley 116. The pulley 116is connected to the common point 128 that can be a D-ring similar to thecommon point of FIGS. 1-3 described above. The common point 128 mayalternatively define any support that allows rotational spinning aboutthe common point.

The swing 130 of FIG. 5 is a three-seat swing defining a triangularconfiguration. The swing 130 defines three seating members 132, 134, and136 that preferably measure 35⅝ inches by 5½ inches and are positionedin a triangular shape. Further embodiments of the swing 130 may comprisealternative dimensions that are less than or greater than theillustrated embodiment. The seating members are advantageously fastenedwith fasteners 138 similar to the fasteners of FIGS. 2, 3, and 12. Thefasteners 138 of FIG. 4 comprise ¼ inch by 1½ inch carriage bolts thatpass through two overlapping seating members and one or more washers andare threaded into locknuts to fasten the seating members. The lap jointof the seating members may also comprise two or more fasteners. Thebolts and nuts are preferably recessed below the surface of the membersfor safety purposes. Alternative triangular swings may be fastened byfurther devices as described above.

The swing 130 is suspended by three supports 140, which in theillustrated embodiment are three ½ inch by 6 foot braided nylon ropesbraided at the top and attached to a snap link that defines a commonpoint 142. Alternative supports 140 and common points 142 may be used asdescribed above. The supports 140 each pass through two verticallyaligned through holes 144 of the seating members defining a lap joint146. The seating members comprise two through holes 144, one at each endof the opposite ends of each seating member, that are positioned suchthat the through holes vertically align when the overlapping seatingmembers define the lap joint 146. The lap joint 146 is defined by alower lap 148 of one seating member positioned below an upper lap 150 ofan adjacent seating member such that the fastened seating members definea top surface 152 that is generally planar and a bottom surface 154 thatis generally planar. The top surface 152 defines a surface upon whichone or more individuals may sit during use of the swing. Each seatingmember preferably comprises one lower lap 148 and one upper lap 150 todefine three lap joints 146 of the swing 130. Further embodiments of theswing 130 may comprise alternative joints between the seating membersthat may or may not comprise through holes 144. The resulting seatingarea of each seating member of FIG. 5 measures 22 inches by 5½ inches.However, further embodiments may define seating areas smaller or largerthan the illustrated embodiment.

The through holes 144 are preferably 2 inches from the outside edge ofthe seating members in the preferred embodiment; however, through holesof further embodiments may be located at alternative locations. Thesupports 140 are restrained on the bottom surface 154 of the swing 130with a simple knot that allows for height adjustment, as describedabove. Alternative supports that are also described above may be usedfor the swing 130. Furthermore, alternative retention of the supportsmay be incorporated, as described above. The three-seat swing 130 ofFIG. 5 advantageously seats three individuals, with one individual oneach seating member; however, any reasonable number of individuals mayuse the swing at one time.

Similar to the swing 130 of FIG. 5, the swing 160 of FIG. 6 is afour-seat swing defining a rectangular configuration that isadvantageously a square configuration. The swing 160 defines fourseating members 162, 163, 164, and 165 that preferably measure 32 inchesby 5½ inches and are positioned in a square shape. Further embodimentsof the swing 160 may comprise alternative dimensions that are less thanor greater than the illustrated embodiment. The seating members areadvantageously fastened with fasteners 168 similar to the fasteners ofFIG. 12. The fasteners 168 of FIG. 6 comprise {fraction (1/4)} inch by1½ inch carriage bolts that pass through two overlapping seating membersand one or more washers and are threaded into locknuts to fasten theseating members. The lap joint of the seating members may also comprisetwo or more fasteners. The bolts and nuts are preferably recessed belowthe surface of the members for safety purposes. Alternative rectangularswings may be fastened by further devices as described above.

The swing 160 is suspended by four supports 170, which in theillustrated embodiment are four ½ inch by 6 foot braided nylon ropesbraided at the top and attached to a snap link that defines a commonpoint 172. Alternative supports 170 and common points 172 may be used asdescribed above. The supports 170 each pass through two verticallyaligned through holes 174 of the seating members defining a lap joint176. The seating members comprise two through holes 174, one at each endof the opposite ends of each seating member, that are positioned suchthat the through holes vertically align when the overlapping seatingmembers define the lap joint 176. The lap joint 176 is defined by alower lap 178 of one seating member positioned below an upper lap 180 ofan adjacent seating member such that the fastened seating members definea top surface 182 that is generally planar and a bottom surface 184 thatis generally planar. The top surface 182 defines a surface upon whichone or more individuals may sit during use of the swing. Each seatingmember preferably comprises one lower lap 178 and one upper lap 180 todefine four lap joints 176 of the swing 160. Further embodiments of theswing 160 may comprise alternative joints between the seating membersthat may or may not comprise through holes 174. The resulting seatingarea of each seating member of FIG. 6 measures 21 inches by 5½ inchesand defines a center opening of the swing that measures 21 inches by 21inches. However, further embodiments may define seating areas or centeropenings smaller or larger than the illustrated embodiment.

The through holes 174 are preferably 1½ inches from the outside edge ofthe seating members in the preferred embodiment; however, through holesof further embodiments may be located at alternative locations. Thesupports 170 are restrained on the bottom surface 184 of the swing 160with a simple knot that allows for height adjustment, as describedabove. Alternative supports that are also described above may be usedfor the swing 160. Furthermore, alternative retention of the supportsmay be incorporated, as described above. The four-seat swing 160 of FIG.6 advantageously seats four individuals, with one individual on eachseating member; however, any reasonable number of individuals may usethe swing at one time.

Similar to the swings of FIGS. 5 and 6, the swing 190 of FIG. 7 is afive-seat swing defining a pentagonal configuration. The swing 190defines five seating members 192, 193, 194, 195, and 196 that preferablymeasure 25½ inches by 5½ inches and are positioned in a pentagon shape.Further embodiments of the swing 190 may comprise alternative dimensionsthat are less than or greater than the illustrated embodiment. Theseating members are advantageously fastened with fasteners 198 similarto the fasteners of FIG. 12. The fasteners 198 of FIG. 7 comprise ¼ inchby 1½ inch carriage bolts that pass through two overlapping seatingmembers and one or more washers and are threaded into locknuts to fastenthe seating members. The lap joint of the seating members may alsocomprise two or more fasteners. The bolts and nuts are preferablyrecessed below the surface of the members for safety purposes.Alternative pentagonal swings may be fastened by further devices asdescribed above.

The swing 190 is suspended by five supports 200, which in theillustrated embodiment are five ½ inch by 6 foot braided nylon ropesbraided at the top and attached to a snap link that defines a commonpoint 202. Alternative supports 200 and common points 202 may be used asdescribed above. The supports 200 each pass through two verticallyaligned through holes 204 of the seating members defining a lap joint206. The seating members comprise two through holes 204, one at each endof the opposite ends of each seating member, that are positioned suchthat the through holes vertically align when the overlapping seatingmembers define the lap joint 206. The lap joint 206 is defined by alower lap 208 of one seating member positioned below an upper lap 210 ofan adjacent seating member such that the fastened seating members definea top surface 212 that is generally planar and a bottom surface 214 thatis generally planar. The top surface 212 defines a surface upon whichone or more individuals may sit during use of the swing. Each seatingmember preferably comprises one lower lap 208 and one upper lap 210 todefine five lap joints 206 of the swing 190. Further embodiments of theswing 190 may comprise alternative joints between the seating membersthat may or may not comprise through holes 204. The resulting seatingarea of each seating member of FIG. 7 measures 14 inches by 5½ inchesand defines a center opening with 14 inches edges. However, furtherembodiments may define seating areas or center openings smaller orlarger than the illustrated embodiment.

The through holes 204 are preferably 2½ inches from the outside edge ofthe seating members in the preferred embodiment; however, through holesof further embodiments may be located at alternative locations. Thesupports 200 are restrained on the bottom surface 214 of the swing 190with a simple knot that allows for height adjustment, as describedabove. Alternative supports that are also described above may be usedfor the swing 190. Furthermore, alternative retention of the supportsmay be incorporated, as described above. The five-seat swing 190 of FIG.7 advantageously seats five individuals, with one individual on eachseating member; however, any reasonable number of individuals may usethe swing at one time.

Similar to the swings of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the swing 220 of FIG. 8 is asix-seat swing defining a hexagonal configuration. The swing 220 definessix seating members 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, and 227 that preferablymeasure 25¼ inches by 5½ inches and are positioned in a hexagon shape.Further embodiments of the swing 220 may comprise alternative dimensionsthat are less than or greater than the illustrated embodiment. Theseating members are advantageously fastened with fasteners 228 similarto the fasteners of FIG. 12. The fasteners 228 of FIG. 8 comprise{fraction (1/4)} inch by 1½ inch carriage bolts that pass through twooverlapping seating members and one or more washers and are threadedinto locknuts to fasten the seating members. The lap joint of theseating members may also comprise two or more fasteners. The bolts andnuts are preferably recessed below the surface of the members for safetypurposes. Alternative hexagonal swings may be fastened by furtherdevices as described above.

The swing 220 is suspended by six supports 230, which in the illustratedembodiment are six ½ inch by 6 foot braided nylon ropes braided at thetop and attached to a snap link that defines a common point 232.Alternative supports 230 and common points 232 may be used as describedabove. The supports 230 each pass through two vertically aligned throughholes 234 of the seating members defining a lap joint 236. The seatingmembers comprise two through holes 234, one at each end of the oppositeends of each seating member, that are positioned such that the throughholes vertically align when the overlapping seating members define thelap joint 236. The lap joint 236 is defined by a lower lap 238 of oneseating member positioned below an upper lap 240 of an adjacent seatingmember such that the fastened seating members define a top surface 242that is generally planar and a bottom surface 244 that is generallyplanar. The top surface 242 defines a surface upon which one or moreindividuals may sit during use of the swing. Each seating memberpreferably comprises one lower lap 238 and one upper lap 240 to definesix lap joints 236 of the swing 220. Further embodiments of the swing220 may comprise alternative joints between the seating members that mayor may not comprise through holes 234. The resulting seating area ofeach seating member of FIG. 8 measures 14 inches by 5½ inches anddefines a center opening with 14 inches edges. However, furtherembodiments may define seating areas or center openings smaller orlarger than the illustrated embodiment.

The through holes 234 are preferably 1¾ inches from the outside edge ofthe seating members in the preferred embodiment; however, through holesof further embodiments may be located at alternative locations. Thesupports 230 are restrained on the bottom surface 244 of the swing 220with a simple knot that allows for height adjustment, as describedabove. Alternative supports that are also described above may be usedfor the swing 220. Furthermore, alternative retention of the supportsmay be incorporated, as described above. The six-seat swing 220 of FIG.8 advantageously seats six individuals, with one individual on eachseating member; however, any reasonable number of individuals may usethe swing at one time.

The swing 250 of FIG. 9 is a two or three seat swing defining a “bowtie” configuration having seating members 251 and 252 and supports 253suspending from a common point 254 similar to the previously discussedembodiments of the present invention. The seating members 251 and 252are joined by two connectors 255 and 256 that intersect midway betweenthe seating members. The intersection 257 may define a third seatingsurface such that a third individual may sit upon the intersection ifdesired. The supports 253 may be passed into through holes 258 and knotstied in the supports, similar to the other embodiments, or the supportsmay be joined to the seating members by alternative devices such asclamps, fasteners, adhesives, or the like. In addition the seatingmembers are joined to the connectors with fasteners 259, as describedabove, and the seating members and/or connectors may include laps todefine lap joints such that a top surface and a bottom surface aregenerally planar, as described above. In the illustrated embodiment ofswing 250, each seating member 251 and 252 comprises two upper laps atopposite ends of the seating member and each connector comprises twolower laps at opposite ends and a lap in a center of the connector suchthat the fastened seating members and connectors define a top surfacethat is generally planar and a bottom surface that is generally planar.The swing 250 preferably defines two triangular openings between theseating members 251 and 252 and the intersection 257, wherein a seatedindividual may place their legs in a triangular opening. The swing 250advantageously defines dimensions similar to the alternative swingsdescribed above.

FIG. 10 illustrates a swing 260 that seats four or more people andcomprises four seating members 261, 262, 263, and 264 configured todefine four intersections. The intersections are generally perpendicularsuch that the swing 260 defines a square center opening. The seatingmembers of the illustrated embodiment extend outward beyond theintersections to define outer surfaces that a seated individual may useduring swinging and/or rotating. Advantageously, the individuals may sitbetween the intersections of the seating members. Four supports 266suspend from the common point 268 and pass through the through holes 270and are tied into knots, as described above, or the supports may bejoined to the seating members by alternative devices such as clamps,fasteners, adhesives, or the like. The seating members may be fastenedtogether with fasteners 272, as described above, at generallyperpendicular intersections to define a square center opening, such thatthe seating members extend beyond the intersections. Two seating members262 and 263 advantageously comprise two upper laps and two seatingmembers 261 and 264 advantageously comprise two lower laps such that thefastened seating members define a top surface that is generally planarand a bottom surface that is generally planar, as described above. Theswing 260 preferably defines the center opening such that the seatedindividuals may place their legs in the center opening while swingingand/or rotating, as described above. The swing 260 advantageouslydefines dimensions similar to the alternative swings described above.

Toddler attachments may also be provided with the swings of the presentinvention. In particular, the toddler attachment 280 of FIG. 14comprises a triangular toddler attachment for a swing having threesupports and a triangular center opening, such as the swing 130 of FIG.5 or further swing embodiments. The toddler attachment 280 comprises atriangular frame member 282 defining three extremities 284 and threeinterior edges 286. Each extremity 284 advantageously defines anattachment 288 that comprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like. Theattachments 288 are structure for attaching to the supports of theswing, such as the supports 140 of FIG. 5 or further swing embodiments.The toddler attachment 280 of FIG. 14 comprises a fabric member 290surrounded by the interior edges 286 of the frame member 282 such thatthe fabric member substantially engages the three interior edges of theframe member. The fabric member 290 of the illustrated embodimentdefines a recess 292 having two leg holes 294 for seating a toddler orchild. Advantageously, the fabric member 290 defines no holes other thanthe recess, such that children will be prevented from falling throughthe toddler attachment. The frame member 282 is also advantageouslyconfigured to fit the center opening of the swing to which it isattached to prevent toddlers or children from falling through the centeropening. The toddler attachment 280 is preferably structured forconvenient assembly onto a swing and for safe operation by toddlers andother individuals sharing the swing.

An alternative toddler attachment 300 of FIG. 15 comprises a rectangulartoddler attachment for a swing having four supports and a rectangularcenter opening, such as the swing 160 of FIG. 6 or further swingembodiments. The toddler attachment 300 comprises a rectangular framemember 302 defining four extremities 304 and four interior edges 306.Each extremity 304 advantageously defines an attachment 308 thatcomprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like. The attachments 308 arestructure for attaching to the supports of the swing, such as thesupports 170 of FIG. 6 or further swing embodiments. The toddlerattachment 300 of FIG. 15 comprises a fabric member 310 surrounded bythe interior edges 306 of the frame member 302 such that the fabricmember substantially engages the four interior edges of the framemember. The fabric member 310 of the illustrated embodiment defines arecess 312 having two leg holes 314 for seating a toddler or child.Advantageously, the fabric member 310 defines no holes other than therecess, such that children will be prevented from falling through thetoddler attachment. The frame member 302 is also advantageouslyconfigured to fit the center opening of the swing to which it isattached to prevent toddlers or children from falling through the centeropening. The toddler attachment 300 is preferably structured forconvenient assembly onto a swing and for safe operation by toddlers andother individuals sharing the swing.

The toddler attachment 320 of FIG. 16 comprises a pentagonal toddlerattachment for a swing having five supports and a pentagonal centeropening, such as the swing 190 of FIG. 7 or further swing embodiments.The toddler attachment 320 comprises a pentagonal frame member 322defining five extremities 324 and five interior edges 326. Eachextremity 324 advantageously defines an attachment 288 that comprises aloop, hook, clip, or the like. The attachments 328 are structure forattaching to the supports of the swing, such as the supports 200 of FIG.7 or further swing embodiments. The toddler attachment 320 of FIG. 16comprises a fabric member 330 surrounded by the interior edges 326 ofthe frame member 322 such that the fabric member substantially engagesthe five interior edges of the frame member. The fabric member 330 ofthe illustrated embodiment defines a recess 332 having two leg holes 334for seating a toddler or child. Advantageously, the fabric member 330defines no holes other than the recess, such that children will beprevented from falling through the toddler attachment. The frame member322 is also advantageously configured to fit the center opening of theswing to which it is attached to prevent toddlers or children fromfalling through the center opening. The toddler attachment 320 ispreferably structured for convenient assembly onto a swing and for safeoperation by toddlers and other individuals sharing the swing.

The fabric member of all three toddler attachments preferably comprisesmesh double stitched nylon or canvas, though further embodiments of thepresent invention may comprise any fabric sufficiently strong to supporta child during use of the swings and toddler attachments of the presentinvention. The toddler attachments and the swings of the presentinvention provide a recreational activity that provides swinging andspinning motions. In addition, multiple individuals may simultaneouslyuse the swings, with or without the toddler attachments, which increasestheir social interaction and level of enjoyment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

1. A swing comprising: a seat defining a top surface, a bottom surfaceopposite the top surface, and a concave front surface; and at least twosupports suspended from a common point, wherein each support isconnected to a different location on the seat.
 2. A swing according toclaim 1 wherein the seat further defines a convex rear surface, whereinthe concave front surface and the convex rear surface each define aradius and wherein the radius of the concave front surface is no greaterthan the radius of the convex rear surface.
 3. A swing according toclaim 1 wherein the seat defines two through holes, and wherein eachsupport passes through a through hole.
 4. A swing according to claim 3wherein each support is restrained on the bottom surface of the seat bya knot in the support.
 5. A swing according to claim 1 wherein eachsupport comprises a rope.
 6. A swing comprising: a first seat defining afirst top surface and a first bottom surface opposite the first topsurface; a second seat defining a second top surface and a second bottomsurface opposite the second top surface; a connector fastened to thefirst seat and to the second seat; and at least four supports suspendedfrom a common point, wherein each support is connected to a differentlocation on either the first or second seat.
 7. A swing according toclaim 6 wherein the first seat defines a first concave front surface anda first convex rear surface opposite the first concave front surface andthe second seat defines a second concave front surface and a secondconvex rear surface opposite the second concave front surface, andwherein the first seat and second seat are fastened to the connectorsuch that the first concave front surface faces the second concave frontsurface.
 8. A swing according to claim 6 wherein the first seat and thesecond seat each define two through holes, and wherein each supportpasses through a through hole.
 9. A swing according to claim 8 whereineach support is restrained on the bottom surface of the seat by a knotin the support.
 10. A swing according to claim 6 wherein each supportcomprises a rope.
 11. A swing comprising: a first seating memberdefining two seats at opposite ends of the first seating member and acenterpoint midway between the opposed seats, wherein the first seatingmember defines a first top surface and a first bottom surface oppositethe first top surface; a second seating member defining two seats atopposite ends of the second seating member and a centerpoint midwaybetween the opposed seats, wherein the second seating member defines asecond top surface and a second bottom surface opposite the second topsurface; at least one fastener joining the first seating member to thesecond seating member such that the center point of the first seatingmember is substantially above the center point of the second seatingmember; and at least four supports suspended from a common point,wherein each support is connected to a different location on either thefirst or second seating member.
 12. A swing according to claim 11wherein the seating members each define two through holes, and whereinthe each support passes through a through hole.
 13. A swing according toclaim 12 wherein each support is restrained on the bottom surface of theseating member by a knot in the support.
 14. A swing according to claim11 wherein each support comprises a rope.
 15. A swing according to claim11 wherein the common point from which the four supports suspendcomprises a snap link.
 16. A swing comprising: three seating membersthat each defines a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the topsurface, and wherein the seating members are fastened in a triangularshape; and at least three supports suspended from a common point,wherein each support is connected to a different location on the seatingmembers.
 17. A swing according to claim 16 wherein each seating memberdefines a lower lap at one end of the seating member and an upper lap atan opposite end of the seating member such that the fastened seatingmembers define a top surface that is generally planar and a bottomsurface that is generally planar.
 18. A swing according to claim 16wherein the common point from which the three supports suspend comprisesa snap link.
 19. A swing according to claim 16 wherein the seatingmembers define through holes and each support passes through a throughhole and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seatmembers by a knot in the support.
 20. A swing according to claim 16wherein each support comprises a rope.
 21. A swing comprising: fourseating members that each defines a top surface and a bottom surfaceopposite the top surface, and wherein the seating members are fastenedin a rectangular shape; and at least four supports suspended from acommon point, wherein each support is connected to a different locationon the seating members.
 22. A swing according to claim 21 wherein eachseating member defines a lower lap at one end of the seating member andan upper lap at an opposite end of the seating member such that thefastened seating members define a top surface that is generally planarand a bottom surface that is generally planar.
 23. A swing according toclaim 21 wherein the common point from which the four supports suspendcomprises a snap link.
 24. A swing according to claim 21 wherein theseating members define through holes and each support passes through athrough hole and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastenedseat members by a knot in the support.
 25. A swing according to claim 21wherein each support comprises a rope.
 26. A swing comprising: fiveseating members that each defines a top surface and a bottom surfaceopposite the top surface, and wherein the seating members are fastenedin a pentagonal shape; and at least five supports suspended from acommon point, wherein each support is connected to a different locationon the seating members.
 27. A swing according to claim 26 wherein eachseating member defines a lower lap at one end of the seating member andan upper lap at an opposite end of the seating member such that thefastened seating members define a top surface that is generally planarand a bottom surface that is generally planar.
 28. A swing according toclaim 26 wherein the common point from which the five supports suspendcomprises a snap link.
 29. A swing according to claim 26 wherein theseating members define through holes and each support passes through athrough hole and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastenedseat members by a knot in the support.
 30. A swing according to claim 26wherein each support comprises a rope.
 31. A swing comprising: sixseating members that each defines a top surface and a bottom surfaceopposite the top surface, and wherein the seating members are fastenedin a hexagonal shape; and at least six supports suspended from a commonpoint, wherein each support is connected to a different location on theseating members.
 32. A swing according to claim 31 wherein each seatingmember defines a lower lap at one end of the seating member and an upperlap at an opposite end of the seating member such that the fastenedseating members define a top surface that is generally planar and abottom surface that is generally planar.
 33. A swing according to claim31 wherein the common point from which the six supports suspendcomprises a snap link.
 34. A swing according to claim 31 wherein theseating members define through holes and each support passes through athrough hole and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastenedseat members by a knot in the support.
 35. A swing according to claim 31wherein each support comprises a rope.
 36. A swing comprising: twoseating members that each defines a top surface and a bottom surfaceopposite the top surface, and wherein the seating members are fastenedto two connectors that intersect midway between the seating members; andat least four supports suspended from a common point, wherein eachsupport is connected to a different location on the seating members. 37.A swing according to claim 36 wherein each seating member comprises twoupper laps at opposite ends of the seating member and each connectorcomprises two lower laps at opposite ends and a lap in a center of theconnector such that the fastened seating members and connectors define atop surface that is generally planar and a bottom surface that isgenerally planar.
 38. A swing according to claim 36 wherein the commonpoint from which the four supports suspend comprises a snap link.
 39. Aswing according to claim 36 wherein the seating members define throughholes and each support passes through a through hole and is restrainedon the bottom surface of the fastened seat members by a knot in thesupport.
 40. A swing according to claim 36 wherein each supportcomprises a rope.
 41. A swing comprising: four seating members that eachdefines a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, andwherein each seating member is fastened to two seating members atgenerally perpendicular intersections to define a square center opening,such that the seating members extend beyond the intersections; and atleast four supports suspended from a common point, wherein each supportis connected to a different location on the seating members.
 42. A swingaccording to claim 41 wherein two seating members comprise upper lapsand two seating members comprise lower laps such that the fastenedseating members define a top surface that is generally planar and abottom surface that is generally planar.
 43. A swing according to claim41 wherein the common point from which the four supports suspendcomprises a snap link.
 44. A swing according to claim 41 wherein theseating members define through holes and each support passes through athrough hole and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastenedseat members by a knot in the support.
 45. A swing according to claim 41wherein each support comprises a rope.
 46. A toddler attachment for aswing having at least three supports, the toddler attachment comprising:a triangular frame member defining three extremities and three interioredges, wherein each extremity defines an attachment, and wherein theattachments are structured for attaching to the supports of the swing;and a fabric member surrounded by the frame member such that the fabricmember substantially engages the three interior edges of the framemember and defines a recess having two leg holes.
 47. A toddlerattachment according to claim 46 wherein the attachment comprises aloop, hook, clip, or the like.
 48. A toddler attachment according toclaim 46 wherein fabric member comprises a material of nylon, canvas, orthe like.
 49. A toddler attachment according to claim 46 wherein theswing defines a triangular center opening and the triangular frame ofthe toddler attachment is structured for positioning within thetriangular center opening of the swing when the attachments are attachedto the supports of the swing.
 50. A toddler attachment for a swinghaving at least four supports, the toddler attachment comprising: arectangular frame member defining four extremities and four interioredges, wherein each extremity defines an attachment, and wherein theattachments are structured for attaching to the supports of the swing;and a fabric member surrounded by the frame member such that the fabricmember substantially engages the four interior edges of the frame memberand defines a recess having two leg holes.
 51. A toddler attachmentaccording to claim 50 wherein the attachment comprises a loop, hook,clip, or the like.
 52. A toddler attachment according to claim 50wherein fabric member comprises a material of nylon, canvas, or thelike.
 53. A toddler attachment according to claim 50 wherein the swingdefines a rectangular center opening and the rectangular frame of thetoddler attachment is structured for positioning within the rectangularcenter opening of the swing when the attachments are attached to thesupports of the swing.
 54. A toddler attachment for a swing having atleast five supports, the toddler attachment comprising: a pentagonalframe member defining five extremities and five interior edges, whereineach extremity defines an attachment, and wherein the attachments arestructured for attaching to the supports of the swing; and a fabricmember surrounded by the frame member such that the fabric membersubstantially engages the five interior edges of the frame member anddefines a recess having two leg holes.
 55. A toddler attachmentaccording to claim 54 wherein the attachment comprises a loop, hook,clip, or the like.
 56. A toddler attachment according to claim 54wherein fabric member comprises a material of nylon, canvas, or thelike.
 57. A toddler attachment according to claim 54 wherein the swingdefines a pentagonal center opening and the pentagonal frame of thetoddler attachment is structured for positioning within the pentagonalcenter opening of the swing when the attachments are attached to thesupports of the swing.